Small Grant Fund

The Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail are a registered charity and can apply for funding to help the TPT National Office and our partners.  This funding is classed as ‘restricted funding’ as it can only be spent on the specific elements of each funding bid.

Contributions from membership fees and other donations to the Friends are classed as ‘unrestricted funds’ which enable the Friends of the TPT Trustees to have discretion over how this money can be spent.  This process has been developed further with the introduction of the Small Grants Fund.

The Small Grants Fund is aimed at worthwhile projects on or near the Trail that are applied for by supporters or community groups, with a limit of £500 to cover tools and materials (labour costs and power tools will not be covered).  The application form is very easy to complete – so if you have a worthwhile project, or know a group that do, then please use Small Projects Grant Application.  Decisions are normally made at Board meetings that are held every 3 months but if an urgent decision is needed, this can be accommodated in exceptional circumstances. If you would like to speak to one of the Trustees before submitting your application please email friends@transpenninetrail.org.uk 

Projects that have been funded so far include:

Project
Pennine Volunteers Thanks to the FOTPT Funding, the Pennine Volunteers were able to obtain a new leaf blower which makes a huge difference to their task days. It makes the path clearing so much easier and reduces the physical strain of the traditional methods, and it is much faster, especially on those stubborn wet and soggy leaves! It also helps remove debris and surface water from the paths making the TPT safer for all its users. Everybody who uses it receives a short training course on its operation and must wear the correct PPE (Safety Glasses, Gloves and Ear Defenders). For more information about the Pennine volunteers, visit their Facebook page at: Pennine and Godley Turntable Volunteers
Fazakerley Wombles received a small grant to buy tools and equipment for the upkeep of the Liverpool Loop Line section of the Trans Pennine Trail between Seeds Lane and Signal Works Road. This intervention prevented overgrowth of brambles and other encroachments, benefiting walkers and cyclists. On the second Saturday of each month, volunteers go out and maintain the pathway, using the hedge trimmers, strimmers and clippers bought through the Friends Small Grant fund. Their activities include trimming vegetation, litter picking, and introducing 'no dog fouling' stickers. Their efforts have been met with appreciation from both Trail users and local residents. The small grant has enabled this positive community impact, demonstrating how modest funding can yield substantial benefits. https://www.facebook.com/groups/468356807688674/
York Greenways - This application started our project to identify the wildflowers found along Solar System Greenway. The money funded the printing of leaflets and posters to showcase the flowers found along this section. The TPT National Office also put us in touch with Two Ridings who had further funding available that helped us expand the project. The project has encouraged the local community to find out about the local species found on the Solar System Greenway. https://www.yorkgreenways.org.uk/
Dunford Bridge to Penistone Volunteer Group received funding for buying bow saws, pole saws and pruning saws for their very active group to continue their work maintaining this section of Trail. http://TPTcv.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/tptconservationvolunteers https://twitter.com/TPTcv
Lymm Parish Council received funding for bulbs that were planted at the crossing of the TPT in Lymm following works to upgrade the Trail. The soil around the junctions had been disturbed by the upgrades providing an ideal opportunity for planting, with wonderful results. https://www.lymmparishcouncil.gov.uk/
The Vale of Snaith Action Group (Walkers are Welcome) – This successful funding bid enabled the installation of a Jubilee Garden with 2 planters, bench, lectern and water bottle filling station with pet fountain. The planters show important events in the past: The Queens Platinum Jubilee, Coronation of Kings Charles, Silver Jubilee of King George V, Signing of Snaith’s Market Charter in 1223. There is also a Walkers Are Welcome historical timeline information board. The group also received approval from the TPT Executive to divert the route so it now comes through the Jubilee Garden. https://www.facebook.com/walkingsnaithvale/
Pennines Volunteer Group – Funding used to purchase litter picker hoops to enable bags to be held safely during litter picking sessions instead of volunteers having to carry them. charlottetieganbrocklehurst@gmail.com
Chesterfield Canal Trust applied for funding to supplement a project to beautify the area, following a new bridge installation, which would include trees, hedging, benches, wildflowers, signs and information boards. Works scheduled for late 2024 and early 2025. https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/cctrust https://x.com/cctrust	https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/restoration/staveley-town-deal-restoration-work-photographic-record/
Don Gorge Community Group – Funding was provided to help produce a new brochure showing walks along the TPT and points of interest to encourage visitors to visit Sprotbrough Flash from the TPT and learn more about the area. This project has yet to be delivered but updates will be provided when available. secretarydongorgecommgroup@gmail.com
Open Country Wakefield – Funds were used to purchase materials to help a larger project to improve access on the TPT in Wakefield which would enhance existing path surfacing to ensure more people, including wheelchair users, can enjoy the green space. www.opencountry.org.uk/wakefield-project/ wakefield@opencountry.org.uk